Of all the cities across America, we think Boston is the best. Of course, there’s plenty of history to brag about, but what we really love is how much there is to do in a day. Start with an exciting baseball game. Then, head to an unexpected museum. Later, explore nearby hiking trails. For these reasons, visitors and locals have no trouble staying busy. Sure, these are the obvious things. But, what makes Boston special to those who truly love it here? Quite a bit! Here are just a few fun facts about Boston.

1. Our basketball team is #1, even when they’re not actually #1!
TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Flickr/mgstanton
Even when we don’t win the championship, we’re champs. The Celtics hold the record for the most NBA Championship titles ever won. Not that we’re counting (of course we are), but that’s 17 in total. Unsurprisingly, each season we have our eyes glued to the playoffs.
2. We host the oldest continuously running marathon in the world.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
The Boston Marathon, which first took place in 1897, is held every year on Patriot’s Day. Just 15 people competed in that first race, with only 10 completing the full distance! In addition to being historic, the race is also prestigious since it’s one of the World Marathon Majors.

Perhaps most notably, Boston was the first significant marathon to add a wheelchair division competition in 1975.
3. We’re not just brawny, we’re also bright.
Flickr/Pauleon Tan
Boston has 35 colleges, universities, and community colleges educating more than 125,000 students. Why is Boston so popular for higher education? It could be access to so much history. Or, it could be star power. Berklee College of Music has churned out 87 alumni who have received 205 Grammy Awards. Among the recipients are Esperanza Spalding, Bruce Hornsby and Quincy Jones.
4. We've done everything first.
Flickr/Leslee_atFlickr
Boston has the first school, the first public beach, the first public garden, and the first subway system. And, those are just a few examples. Best of all, the ideas and inventions that have sprung up here have made their way around the world impacting people everywhere. Clearly, there’s a reason our nickname is The Hub!
5. We’re home to the first real telephone call.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives
Today, it’s easy to call a friend across the city to make plans. Or, better yet, send a text. While some versions of phone communication happened in other places, the first phone call where each party could actually tell what the other was saying happened in Boston. And what was the important message shared across the line? Alexander Graham Bell phone his assistant Thomas Watson and said: "Mr. Watson – come here - I want to see you." Without a doubt, this is one of the interesting facts about Boston.

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6. Boston offers access to the entire globe.
The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Facebook/The Mary Baker Eddy Library
And we mean that literally! Visitors can step inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library on Massachusetts Ave and find a one-of-a-kind attraction known as the Mapparium. This massive stained-glass globe stands three stories high. Beautifully, it captures the world’s geographical borders as they appeared in 1935 and you can walk right through them!
7. We have our very own Venetian palace!
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Flickr/Putneypics
One of the most intriguing and arresting collections of art and artifacts in the world belonged to Isabella Stewart Gardner. Fascinatingly, it can be seen today in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The wealthy Bostonian was an avid traveler who picked up art from all over the world. Unsurprisingly, both the scale of her collection and its presentation inside Gardner’s "inside out" Venetian Palazzo are incredible.
8. We have the most charming historic street in the country.
Acorn St, 1 Acorn St, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Flickr/NACTO
This might not be an official title, but Acorn Street in Beacon Hill has cornered the market on historic and quaint. Without a doubt, this block transports you back in time to 19th-century Boston – just watch your ankles on the cobblestones.
9. We have a tower that tells us the weather forecast.
John Hancock Tower, 120 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Flickr/imagematters1
In a city where the weather can be erratic, it’s pretty fortunate that we have an easy way to see the forecast. Locals just look to the top of the old John Hancock Tower. There, the weather beacon displays different colored lights providing us with useful info. For instance, if the lights are a steady blue the skies are clear, while a steady red means rain. Since things can change so quickly around Boston an alert for rain at the top of a tower is often too late. But it’s just another of the fun facts about Boston!
10. We love our green monster.
Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
The Green Monster is so much more than a wall; it’s also a Boston icon. It was built in 1934 to keep away fans who hadn’t purchased tickets. In the meantime, it also made home runs a bit more difficult! Originally the wall was made of wood and it stood until the ballpark suffered a fire in 1933. It was rebuilt with a concrete base in 1934 and was eventually painted green in 1947 to match the rest of the park. Luckily for fans, seats were added to the famous Green Monster In the 2000s.

These are just a few reasons why Boston is one of the most special cities in the world. What makes you love Boston? Let us know in the comments! Especially, if you have any other must-see spots!

Finally, while city life is great, one of the best things about Boston is its proximity to nature. For example, check out these 8 amazing state parks around Boston that will blow you away.

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More Reasons to Love Boston

Michelle | October 05, 2022

Are there any haunted hotels in Boston?

Reportedly, the Omni Parker House is one of the most haunted spots in Boston. The owner, Harvey Parker, is said to roam the halls. But the haunting is far more than just that. Charles Dickens once stayed on the third floor. On the same floor famous actress, Charlotte Cushman, dies of pneumonia. That might be why the elevators return to that floor without ever being called.

What are the local favorite restaurants in Boston?

Locals love the smaller restaurants in Boston. And, for good reason. Each one has a local flair you won't find anywhere else. Metropolis Cafe in the South End offers great brunch and romantic dinners. Or, head to The Daily Catch in North End to dig into Sicilian seafood and pizza.

What are the most well-known parks in Boston?

There are plenty of beautiful state parks right outside the city limits, but those who want a taste of nature without traveling are lucky to be in Boston. Some of the most lovely parks in the state can be found within walking distance of downtown. Try the Armenian Heritage Park located within the Rose Kennedy Greenway for a unique walking path with great views. Or, check out North Point Park in East Cambridge. While not exactly Boston, it's not far and comes with great views of the city, including the iconic Zakim Bridge.

 

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